Egypt and Sudan sign an MoU to rehabilitate war-damaged water infrastructure, develop flood protection and rainwater harvesting projects, establish solar-powered drinking water stations and strengthen technical capacity in Sudan.
Egypt and Sudan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement water resources development projects across Sudan, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's recovery and reconstruction efforts. The agreement focuses on restoring essential water infrastructure damaged by the ongoing conflict, improving access to drinking water and strengthening flood management capabilities.
During the third round of the 2+2 ministerial consultations between the foreign and irrigation ministers of both countries. Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, and Sudanese Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ismat Qurashi Abdullah Mohamed, signed the agreement. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Sudanese counterpart, Mohieldin Salem, witnessed the signing ceremony.
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The agreement comes under the Egyptian Initiative for the Development of Nile Basin Countries, supervised by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development under Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation with Nile Basin countries through development projects, technical assistance and capacity-building programmes.
Under the MoU, Egypt will support the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Sudan that has been damaged during the conflict. The projects will also include the development of flood protection measures and rainwater harvesting systems to improve water management and strengthen resilience against seasonal flooding.
Another key component involves establishing solar-powered drinking water stations to improve access to safe water, particularly in communities where existing infrastructure has been affected. The use of solar energy is expected to provide a sustainable power source for water supply facilities and support access in areas with limited electricity infrastructure.
The agreement also includes training programmes and capacity-building initiatives for Sudanese specialists working in the water resources sector. These activities are intended to strengthen technical expertise, improve institutional capabilities and support the effective management and maintenance of water infrastructure.
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The signing took place alongside broader discussions on bilateral relations and regional water security. During the consultations, both countries reaffirmed the importance of coordination on Nile water issues and cooperation through existing technical mechanisms. They also discussed Sudan's reconstruction requirements and opportunities to expand joint development initiatives.
Egypt and Sudan share longstanding cooperation in water resources management, supported by geographical proximity and their reliance on the Nile River system. The latest agreement provides a framework for Egypt to contribute technical and development assistance to Sudan's water sector as the country works to restore essential public infrastructure.
Through the partnership, both governments aim to address immediate water-related needs while supporting longer-term recovery, improved water security and sustainable development in Sudan.